Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate mothers for their love and sacrifice. It’s a time for cards, flowers, and showing appreciation. Yet, for some families, this day of celebration turned into a day of unimaginable tragedy. In these ten shocking cases, Mother’s Day became the day mothers lost their lives at the hands of their own children. The motives behind these crimes vary, ranging from deep-seated resentment to mental illness, but each story shares a common thread of betrayal and violence.
Cheryl Lynch
In 2000, Christopher Reed Lynch suffered a traumatic brain injury during Army training. His mother, Cheryl Lynch, became his caregiver and advocate. She even started a support group for veterans with brain injuries. Tragically, on May 8, 2016, deputies were called to their home and found Christopher violent and bloodied. They discovered Cheryl with severe injuries, and she later died. Christopher was charged but found not guilty by reason of insanity due to his brain injury.
Sarah Hankerson
Sarah Hankerson, 72, visited her son, Christopher Edwards, 42, daily to help care for his pit bull. On May 8, 2022, the dog attacked Edwards, who grabbed his gun. In the struggle, the gun accidentally fired, striking Hankerson. First responders arrived, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police ruled the incident accidental, and Edwards was not charged.
Molly Gladney
Antonio Gladney, 35, had a criminal history and was estranged from his mother, Molly Gladney, 66. On May 14, 2017, he used flowers and a Mother’s Day card to enter her home. An argument escalated, and Antonio attacked Molly with a garden tool, continuing the assault in the carport. Molly died from her injuries. Antonio later confessed, stating he was under the influence. He pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated assault and was sentenced to life in prison.
Kathy McEachern
On Mother’s Day 2011, Joshua David McEachern, 17, argued with his mother, Kathy McEachern, 59, about his YouTube use. During the dispute, Joshua shot Kathy in the face. His brother, Daniel, 21, intervened, but Joshua shot him as well. Kathy died at the scene, while Daniel survived. A psychiatrist testified that Joshua had autism. Joshua pleaded guilty but mentally ill to manslaughter and attempted murder, receiving a 27-year prison sentence.
Penny Wilson Newton
On May 14, 2019, police found a burned vehicle with human remains later identified as 58-year-old Penny Wilson Newton. Her son, Chad Brogdon, 36, became a person of interest. He smelled of smoke and had burns. Investigators found matching rope and blood evidence at his home. Brogdon was charged with murder and abuse of a corpse, believed to have killed Newton at her home before burning her remains. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years, with no motive ever given.
Nancy Heithecker
On Mother’s Day 2013, Nancy Heithecker’s daughter found a pile of trash in front of her house, with Nancy’s body underneath. Her son, Kirk Heithecker, 49, admitted to killing her, stating he was “sending her to hell.” Kirk had a history of mental illness and had stopped taking his medication. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a state hospital.
Doris Carasi
On May 14, 1995, Paul Carasi, 30, took his mother, Doris Carasi, 61, his ex-girlfriend, Sonia Salinas, 29, and his son to dinner. He reported being attacked by robbers who killed Salinas and Doris. Paul’s girlfriend, Donna Lee, then claimed she had been stabbed miles away. Conflicting stories and evidence led to the discovery that Paul and Lee killed Doris and Salinas due to financial strain and resentment. Both were found guilty; Paul received the death penalty, and Lee was sentenced to life without parole.
Linda Cooney
On May 14, 2023, one of Aaron Michael Cooney’s brothers returned home to find their mother, Linda Karen Cooney, 70, missing. Aaron claimed he stabbed her to death because “That’s not our mom anyways. We need a new one. She was a robot.” The brother found Linda in the pool with multiple stab wounds. Aaron was arrested but found not competent to stand trial and ordered to a mental health facility.
Tina Marie Webb
Joshua Lee Webb, 36, lived with his parents due to vision problems. His mother, Tina Marie Webb, 59, had expressed concerns about his mental state. On May 14, 2017, Joshua’s sister found Tina’s headless body at their home. Joshua walked into a store with his mother’s head, stabbed a clerk, and was subdued by employees. He confessed and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis. Found guilty by reason of insanity, he was sent to a psychiatric hospital.
Mwassa Tafari
On May 14, 2023, Abednego Tafari Thompson, 21, inflicted multiple fatal wounds on his mother, Mwassa Tafari, 59, using a metal object. He then fled the area. Local youth organized a search party and found him. Abednego had been displaying unusual behavior, leading to this tragic and violent act.
These cases serve as a somber reminder of the darkness that can overshadow even the most celebrated occasions. They highlight the complexities of mental health, family dynamics, and the devastating consequences of violence. Let’s remember the victims and strive to create a world where such tragedies are prevented through understanding and support.
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